Inklingo

How to Say "disgust" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asco

/ahs-koh//ˈasko/

nounA2general
Use 'asco' when you want to express a strong, often physical feeling of revulsion or sickness, like when encountering something foul or repulsive.
A simple drawing of a face showing an expression of extreme revulsion and disgust.

Examples

El olor a pescado podrido me dio mucho asco.

The smell of rotten fish gave me a lot of disgust (made me feel sick).

¡Qué asco! No puedo creer que comiste eso.

How disgusting! I can't believe you ate that.

Siento asco por la crueldad animal.

I feel loathing (disgust) for animal cruelty.

Expressing Disgust (The 'Dar' Trick)

To say 'I am disgusted by X,' Spanish usually uses the verb 'dar' (to give) with the structure of 'Me da asco X' (X gives me disgust). It works just like 'gustar' (to like).

Using 'Estar' Incorrectly

Mistake: “Estoy asco.”

Correction: Me da asco. 'Asco' is a noun, not an adjective. You wouldn't say 'I am disgust.' Use 'Me da asco' (It gives me disgust) or 'Siento asco' (I feel disgust).

horror

OH-rrohr/ˈo.rɔr/

nounB2general
Use 'horror' to describe a strong feeling of repulsion or being deeply unsettled by something unpleasant, often related to dirtiness, disorder, or a disturbing situation.
A simple illustration of a person grimacing strongly, pinching their nose closed to show intense disgust.

Examples

Me da horror la suciedad y el desorden.

Dirt and disorder give me the creeps/fill me with disgust.

Tu apartamento es un horror después de la fiesta.

Your apartment is a disaster/a terrible mess after the party.

El vestido de la novia era un horror, pero ella estaba feliz.

The bride's dress was hideous/an absolute horror, but she was happy.

Using 'Dar'

When expressing that something causes you disgust or revulsion, use the structure Me da horror... (It gives me horror...), similar to how you use Me gusta.

Confusing Repulsion with Fear

Mistake: “Using 'Tengo horror' to mean 'I am disgusted.'”

Correction: For disgust, use *Me da horror* or *Siento asco*. *Tengo horror* usually means 'I have a profound dread/fear.'

Choosing Between 'Asco' and 'Horror'

Learners often confuse 'asco' and 'horror' because both express strong negative feelings. Remember that 'asco' is typically more about a physical reaction to something repulsive, while 'horror' is more about being deeply disturbed or repulsed by a situation or concept.

Related Translations

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